By Wonderwall.com Editors
12:45pm PDT, Apr 19, 2023
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Ralph Yarl — a Black 16-year-old student who plays bass clarinet and is a band leader at his high school — was shot by an 84-year-old white homeowner, Andrew D. Lester, in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 13, 2023, after accidentally going to the wrong address to pick up his younger twin siblings from a friend's house: Ralph went to Northeast 115 Street instead of Northeast 115th Terrace. The man who shot Ralph twice through a locked glass door — in the head and arm — was taken into custody for 24 hours then released but has since been charged with two felonies — assault in the first degree and armed criminal action. Prosecutor Zachary Thompson confirmed what many initially believed: "There was a racial component to the case."
Miraculously, Ralph survived and has been discharged from the hospital to continue to heal at home, but anger at what happened and how it was initially handled by authorities, as well as concern for Ralph and his recovery, has continued to build — including in Hollywood. Several celebrities have donated to a GoFundMe that Ralph's aunt started while other stars have publicly reacted to the shooting. Keep reading to find out who donated what as well as how the stars have reacted…
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"This is #RalphYarl… a 16-year-old, who accidentally rang the door of the wrong house while trying to pick up his younger siblings. He was immediately shot in the head by a man who didn't want him on his property. The man then shot him a second time as he was on the ground bleeding out. Right now, the man is free and the innocent teenager is fighting for his life in the hospital. This can't be it.
Please share this story in support of Ralph Yarl and his family — and if you can, contact Prosecutor Zachary Thompson and demand an immediate arrest and bring the appropriate charges: James S. Rooney Justice Center, 11 South Water Street, Liberty, Missouri 64068, 816-736-8300, prosecutor@claycopa.com" –Justin Timberlake
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"Last night, I had a chance to call Ralph Yarl and his family. No parent should have to worry that their kid will be shot after ringing the wrong doorbell. We've got to keep up the fight against gun violence. And Ralph, we'll see you in the Oval once you feel better." –Joe Biden
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"Instead of waiting around for #LoveIsBlind…make a phone call. For #RalphYarl. Demand that Prosecutor Zachary Thompson make an arrest and bring the appropriate charges." –Kerry Washington
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Viola Davis shared a post about the teen on her Instagram page. "ALL HANDS ON DECK!!," she wrote
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Comedian Lil Rel Howery donated $1,000 to the GoFundMe fundraiser started by Ralph Yarl's aunt, TMZ reported.
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"My prayers and support are for Ralph and his recovery. You never want these situations to happen. But especially, from the details that I've gotten from it, I mean, it seems it should never even have happened, it should've been an easy conversation and then both people go on their ways and this kid being able to pick up his family members and be with his family right now and not in the hospital. My prayers are for him first and his recovery, and then hopefully the justice system does right by him and everyone involved and we're able to not have to have these conversations and we're able to hold each other accountable for our actions. Obviously more and more details are hopefully gonna come out, and he makes a full recovery, and the justice system does its part and we're all held accountable every single day." –Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to FOX4 News Kansas City reporter PJ Green
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Famed talent manager Guy Oseary, who works with Madonna, donated $5,000 to Ralph Yarl's GoFundMe, TMZ reported.
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"His name is #RalphYarl and I'm sick and tired of this feeling…my heart completely broke when I learned this precious 16-year-old, who accidentally rang the door of the wrong address in an attempt to pick up his siblings, was shot in the head by a man who didn't want him on his property. This innocent child is now fighting for his life. This could be your child. This should NOT happen. Please do something today! Join me and please contact Prosecutor Zachary Thompson and demand an immediate arrest and bring the appropriate charges: Building: James S. Rooney Justice Center Address: 11 South Water Street, Liberty, Missouri 64068, Phone: 816-736-8300, Fax: 816-736- 8301, Email: prosecutor@claycopa.com" –Halle Berry
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"My God !!! Heartbroken for this young man and his family. Praying for his complete recovery ! #RalphYarl" –Jennifer Hudson
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"Yellowjackets" star Christina Ricci donated $500 to the Ralph Yarl GoFundMe, TMZ reported.
